Chhokar murder to be reinvestigated by police

THE murder of Surjit Singh Chhokar in 1998 is being reviewed by the Crown Office.

Strathclyde Police has been instructed to carry out further investigation into his murder under the Double Jeopardy legislation introduced in November last year.

The family of Mr. Chhokar were informed today of the Crown’s decision by the Lord Advocate, Frank Mulholland QC and the Solicitor General for Scotland, Lesley Thomson QC, at a meeting in the Crown Office, Edinburgh.

They said communication and liaison with victims’ families is fundamentally important. Arrangements will be made to meet with those affected in all Double Jeopardy cases.

Other cases are currently under review by the Solicitor General which may be able to be prosecuted again under the Double Jeopardy Act. The Crown is actively reviewing and examining potential cases as part of a programme under the new legislation.

The Solicitor General said: “The prosecution service is committed to make use of the powers under the new Double Jeopardy legislation. The Scottish Parliament, in passing the Act, has clearly stated that the passage of time since an acquittal should be no protection for those for whom there is new and compelling evidence of guilt. We hope that our commitment to the new legislation will give reassurance to victims and their families.”